Questions about buying used forklifts

A well-maintained forklift can last for thousands of hours of use, so buying used forklifts can be a great way to save money. It's not for everyone, though. Here are some questions to answer when you're considering buying used forklifts.

Are used forklifts the right choice for your business?
It's clear that used forklifts can be a good way to save money in the short-term. However, you are still taking on more risk by choosing a used forklift. Even if it doesn't suffer any major breakdowns, an older forklift requires more maintenance than a newer model. If you're depending on the forklift to play a major role in your day-to-day activities, a used truck might not be an effective choice.

One way to look at this decision is to think about how much you'll be using the forklift. If you'll use it less than half the time – only a couple of days per week or a couple of hours per day – you'll be much better able to weather any unexpected downtime than you would if it was constantly in use. If your operations would be seriously disrupted because the forklift was unavailable, you might be a better candidate for a new forklift.

Can you get used forklifts from a reliable source?
If you buy from a reputable dealer, chances are that even a used forklift will continue to run as it should for at least the first few months, if not years. If you buy one from a previous owner, or a dealer for other types of vehicles who happens to have a forklift on the lot, you're taking a much bigger chance.

While dealers prefer to sell new equipment, they know that selling used forklifts is an inroad to making new customers: if you get a reliable used forklift, chances are you'll return to the same dealer in a few years when that one needs replacement.

Will a used lift be as safe as a new truck?
Forklift accidents are a major cause of workplace injuries in warehouses and loading docks. Many of those accidents are caused by operator carelessness or errors, rather than mechanical failure, but it's still important to make sure the trucks you operate are as safe as possible.

When buying a used truck, make sure it still has the capacity plate that describes the safe maximum load it can carry. Check the plate to make sure it matches the current condition of the forklift: extras like extendable forks can change the load capacity, but are often added without updating the capacity plate.

Make inspecting safety gear part of your evaluation: check the harnesses/seatbelts, all visibility and warning lights, and the stability of the canopy/overhead protection device, if applicable. Also look for evidence of misuse or accidents: unusual dents, excessive wear, or newly-replaced panels.

Read more on how to choose used forklifts for sale.